Kabanata 2
Kabanata 2
I still don't get it kung bakit may mga taong ayaw sa sexual orientation nila. I have a few gay friends and I can say they're fun and amazing people to be with.
Kaya I feel so sorry for Warren, being rejected in front of the crowd like that. Kung ako rin siguro ang ganoon, mapapa-walling din ako.
Too bad but there are always some love you just can't have. Love you'd never reciprocate, no matter what you do kasi iba-iba naman ng preferences ang mga tao.
Unrequited love sucks.
"Ang lalim ng buntonghininga ng prinsesa ko." My eyes shifted and a smile formed on my lips when I saw my father.
He's sitting on his swivel chair. He then fixed his glasses while looking at me.
"Nothing, Dad," I muttered. "Maybe I'm just tired?"
His lips lifted for a smile. I watched him stand from his swivel chair and I couldn't deny how powerful Doctor Valderama still looks like even at his age.
His presence screams authority. With his serious midnight black eyes, cold but warm and soft for us, his family.
He's wearing a white dress shirt and his doctor's coat. In the pocket of his coat are his pens in different colors.
"You wanna go home?" he asked. I pouted, shaking my head.
"No, Dad," I said. "You said we'll dine together, right? We'll just wait for Mom?"
"Yeah," he said. "Gusto ko sanang tayong lahat but Clyte's busy and your brother too. I don't know; he's quite busy with his patients."
I smiled and nodded. My father went to the side to get some tea and I chuckled when he put the cup in front of me.
"Tea talaga, Dad?" I asked, chuckling a bit.
He smirked and sat in front of me. "Well, your old man needs that. I don't drink that much sweet beverages."
"Old man?" I glanced at him and shook my head. "You don't look like that, Dad. Still young-looking. The queen's still head over heels in love with you."
I saw how his black eyes glistened a bit. A playful smile formed on his lips and he combed his hair with his fingers.
"Don't wanna boast around, Scira, but you are correct, Mom's still head over heels in love with me," he said in a small teasing tone. We both chuckled.
"Hoy, kayong dalawa, pinag-ti-tsismisan n'yo na naman ako?" I shifted my gaze and laughed when I saw my Mom on her blue dress. Kaaalis niya lang ng shades at umirap na ito kaagad.
"Dad said you're still head over heels in love with him," sumbong ko.
Nanliit ang mata ni Mom. She glanced at my father who's been smirking. Nakasandal ito sa sofa at nakahalukipkip.
"Feeling!" my mother exclaimed and placed her handbag on Dad's desk.
"What? Hindi ba?" my father asked and the famous, original maldita, Zidney rolled her eyes again but grinned afterward.
"Sa bagay," she muttered and hopped. "Kahit may rayuma na itong tatay mo, Scira, mahilig pa rin."
"Zidney!" My father exclaimed and I burst out laughing when he pulled Mom on his lap, trying to cover her lips.
"Oo, 'nak. Alam mo namang—"
"Bata pa iyang anak mo, Zid!" Dad exclaimed. He was quite blushing. I giggled.
"Bata? Twenty-three na 'yan!" She said and pushed Dad's hand pero naghihilahan lang sila roon. "Kumalma ka, ang buto mo—"
"Damn, queen, I could still throw you on the bed—"
"Uhm, guys?" I muttered and they both stopped and glanced at me. "I'm sorry pero it's super SPG?" I pointed out teasingly. My father's eyes just widened and Mom laughed.
"You know why we managed to add Queen Scira—" She tried explaining but I screamed and covered my ear.
"Mom!" I hissed. My mother laughed and pulled Dad's hair when he covered her mouth.
–
THE next months are tiring. Nang matapos ang project na nakuha ko ay mayro'n na namang bago. We got a lot of projects coming kaya Mom came back to the firm and got some. Still, hindi namin ibinigay sa kanya ang mabibigat na proyekto.
We don't want the queen feeling stressed kaya ako ang kumuha ng isang collaborative project para sa isang condominium. The owners contacted me personally and they're good friends of my family kaya sa halip na ibang architect sa team ko ang pakuhain ay ako na mismo ang kumuha.
Kinda sad but I have to leave for this project. I might sleep in one of the condo units provided by our clients in this project kaya ang dami kong dala.
"Seriously, Scira?" I chuckled when Kuya Deion frowned while carrying my baggage.
"Why?" I asked innocently but almost laughed again at his frowning face.
"Ilang taon ka bang mag-s-stay sa lugar na 'yon at mukhang maglilipat-bahay ka?" he asked me. I shrugged.
"Hmm, months? Dunno exactly."
"Tss." He rolled his eyes. "Ano ba 'tong bagahe mo? Anong laman? Buong mansyon?" reklamo na niya kaya napatawa akong lalo at kumapit sa braso niya.
"You see, Kuya, may beach daw malapit doon kaya I wanna go swim." I smiled.
"You have two big freaking baggages, Scira. Anong laman nitong isa, swimsuit lang?" He raised his brow.
"Hmm, mga ten pairs lang. Dito sa isa, work clothes ko and dito sa isa, mga casual. Kapag papasyal. May sandals din ako tapos dito sa bag pack ko 'yong make ups—"
"Jesus," he whispered and I laughed at his ridiculous expression.
"Seriously? I can go on a vacation for months with only a suitcase and you—"
"Shut up ka na lang, Kuya." I rolled my eyes. "S'yempre lalaki ka. Ako kasi, maarte. Kailangan ay always presentable. Hindi p'wedeng hindi. Anak kaya ako ni Zidney."
"Whatever," he chuckled huskily and ruffled my hair. "You take care there, okay?"
I smiled and nodded. "Of course, ako pa ba?"
"Uh-huh?" he smirked. "Don't forget to call."
"Hmm, okay,"
He shook his head. Habang naglalakad kami papasok sa airport namin ay kaagad na sumaludo ang guard sa amin.
"Doc, Architect," they called and we both smiled.
After they scanned our baggages, sumama sa akin ang Kuya papasok sa loob para ihatid ako. I helped him carry some of my things and after namin maibigay ang baggage ay pumunta kami sa waiting lounge.
I looked around and I smiled when I saw who was approaching.
"Hey there, Captain!" I exclaimed and waved my hand upon seeing my cousin, Kuya Macky, in his white pilot uniform while walking towards us.
"Oh? Scira?" he called.
Kuya stood. Nag-apir sila ni Kuya Macky bago ito lumapit sa akin at ginulo ang buhok ko.
"Bakit palagi n'yong ginugulo ang buhok ko?" I sulked, and glared at the both of them but they only laughed. Kuya Deion went near me and brushed my hair a bit.
"Saan ang lipad natin, prinsesa?" he asked. I snorted.
"I have a project," I said. "Kaya ayon, I'll be away for a while,"
"Hmm, take care, okay?" I smiled at him and nodded.
"Calling the attention of Captain Marcus Sandejas, please proceed to the front desk, please." I heard the speaker calling his name. Kuya Macky glanced at his watch and back to us.
"I have to go. I have a flight at thirty," he informed. We nodded. "Scira, take care, okay?"
"Opo, Kuya," I stood and kissed him on his cheeks.
He smiled and then glanced at Kuya Deion.
"Dei, una na ko," he said and watched the both of them do a fist bump before Kuya Macky left.
Kuya Deion stayed with me while I wait for my flight. Nakatulog pa ako sa balikat niya habang abala siya sa pagbabasa ng kung ano sa phone niya.
"Hey, princess. Is that your flight?" Kuya woke me up after a while. I scratched my eyes, yawned a bit, and stared at the screen.
"Oh," I muttered, fixed myself and Kuya took my hand carry bag. Dalawa iyon at napapailing pa siya kanina pero wala na siyang nasabi.
"Take care, princess, okay?" He reminded as he gave me my bags and kissed my forehead.
"Okay, Kuya. I'll text you if I get there,"
"Don't forget to eat. Magtatrabaho ka roon kaya h'wag mo munang isipin ang diet mo. Have enough rest."
I chuckled. "Okay."
"And no boys, okay?" he said and I rolled my eyes.
"Kuya!" I pouted and he smirked as he held my arm.
"Bata ka pa, hindi pa p'wede ang boyfriend-boyfriend—"
"As if I didn't have, huh?" I muttered. "I have a lot of exes, Kuya."
"But they're douchebags and you're a playgirl," he scolded me and I smacked his arm.
"Let's stop this na. I'm late," reklamo kong natatawa.
Hesitating, he let me go alone. Ngayon lang kasi ako napalayo nang ganito sa pamilya kapag may proyekto ako at buwan pa!
Hindi na ako naihatid ni Kuya sa loob. Bringing my two hand-carry baggages, I walked with my chin up and smiled at the crew who recognized me.
Kahit medyo mabigat ang dalawang dala ko ay dapat confident pa rin maglakad.
"Uy, si Architect. Hello, Ma'am!" I smiled when they recognized me.
"Hello," I smiled softly.
"Sino 'yan?" I overheard one of the new crew ask while I was falling in line to get my ticket checked.
"Anak ni Architect Zidney," he answered her, and I could see how shock registered on the crew's face while glancing at me.
"Oh my God, hello, Architect!" She greeted.
"Hello," I greeted back.
Medyo nagkagulo sila. The head even called me.
"Architect, dito ka na." They motioned me a line where I don't have to fall in line anymore but I shook my head and smiled.
"Thank you, but I think I'll just fall in line,"
"O-oh, sige po, Architect," aniya pero narinig ko pa ang bulungan na bilisan ang pag-che-check para hindi na ako pumila nang matagal.
I am flattered for being a VIP, 'yong tipong pinapauna ka, palagi kang inaasikaso but I know when to use it properly. I use it only when needed. Hindi naman urgent ang pagpila kaya ayaw kong gawin iyon.
Maybe being a Sandejas does ring a bell, huh? After all, this is Tito Dash's airport.
Nang makalagpas doon ay buhat ko ang isang medyo magaang baggage na hand carry ko habang nasa braso ko ang isa. I am doing just fine but then I heard my phone ringing on my handbag.
I groaned, looked around and sighed when I couldn't find anything where I'd put my bag.
Hindi ko na alam kung ano ang gagawin. Reluctantly, I removed my eyeglasses and put them on my head while balancing my feet so my baggage would not fall.
I shook my head, sighed and looked around. Sinubukan kong ibaba sa lapag pero nagdadalawang-isip ako.
For Pete's sake, this is Chanel!
I cursed under my breath. Tumigil ang pagtunog ng phone ko pero muling tumunog pagkaraan kaya nagpa-panic na ako.
I gasped. Labag man sa loob ay humigpit ang hawak ko sa bag at akmang ibababa na sa lapag when a hand stopped me from doing it.
I was confused but the hand took my bag and when I lifted my eyes, I gasped.
"O-oh," I muttered, still shocked.
"Go on, answer it." I heard his baritone voice and I gulped. I smiled a bit then I answered the call.
Nagmamadali, I took out my phone and opened it. I cursed when I saw Lucas' name.
He still won't stop bothering me!
It made a loud sound. He's calling again and nahihiyang sumulyap ako kay Warren at nakitang tahimik lang siyang nakatingin sa phone ko.
I cleared my throat, answered it and I heard his voice.
"Scira, Scira, please. Talk to me," I heard him say.
"Lucas, p'wede ba? We're over, I told you—"
"It's been months! Answer me, kaya wala kang bagong boyfriend kasi 'di ka maka-move-on—"
"Quit it, okay?" I muttered, annoyed. "First of all, I am busy."
"No, you're not! Iniiwasan mo lang ako," he hissed. "You're still not over me, right? Kaya wala ka pa ring bago, 'di ba? Kaya—"
"Lucas..." I heaved a sigh. "I have a flight—"
"No! You still can't get over me! Come on, mahal mo pa rin ako, 'di ba?" he asked desperately. "Kaya... kaya wala kang bago kasi—"
"I have a boyfriend, okay?" I hissed, stopping him.
I glanced at Warren staring at me. He looked so darkly handsome. Naka-simpleng itim na shirt at maong lang siya. Be was wearing his dog tag on his neck. He was also silently waiting for me while I was in the middle of the call.
He looked serious and his jaw clenched a bit. I must admit he's handsome kaso nga lang, pareho kami ng bet.
"Y-you're lying!" he hissed at me. "You're just saying that to hurt me! Scira, please, I'm sorry if I said something. Hindi na mauulit—"
"Can you quit it? I have a boyfriend, and uhm, kasama ko siya ngayon and I am not fooling you—"
"Then let him talk!" he hissed.
My heart pounded a bit. I glanced at Warren and saw him silently staring at me. His eyes are a bit dark yet he didn't say anything.
"I just—"
"You're lying!"
"I am not, okay?" I denied. "I am really now with him but—"
"Let me." My eyes widened when Warren took my phone. Without saying anything, he put it on his ear.
"Who's this?" he asked coldly on the phone and my heart pounded. Hindi ko alam kung dahil kinakabahan ako bigla sa usapan nila o dahil sa medyo galit ang boses niya.
"Yes, I am." I heard the scoff in his voice.
I watched him nervously. Abala pa rin sila sa pag-uusap.
I bit my lip. Medyo pinagtitinginan na kami pero walang nagtangkang magtanong.
I can almost hear Lucas' loud voice pero hindi ko lang makuha ang gusto niyang sabihin. My lips protruded while watching Warren listening to him.
"Stop pestering my girlfriend," he said and my throat dried up with his words. I couldn't deny it made my heart flutter.
His forehead creased. I watched him eagerly and he licked his lower lip.
"Fuck off," he said coldly, ended the call and gave the phone back to me.
I was still in shock. I accepted the phone and immediately took my bag from his hand.
"U-uh, Warren, thank you talaga ang dami ko ng utang sa 'yo! At saka ano, sorry sa abala," I muttered.
He stared at me intently before nodding.
I noticed that he was in a foul mood. I gasped when moistened his lip again before turning his back to me.
Naglakad siya paalis at napasinghap ako.
"Sis!" I exclaimed. "E-este, Warren! Uhm, wait!"
Parang tanga akong humabol. Naglalakad siya paalis pero mabagal ang lakad niya kaya nahabol ko siya. I gasped when I got his shirt and tugged it immediately.
"Got you!" I exclaimed, stopping him. He glanced at me with a shocked face.
"Uhm..." I smiled nervously. "Sorry, Warren, uh, naistorbo ba kita? Sorry kasi, ex ko 'yon, si Lucas. He won't stop pestering me so... I said I have a boyfriend, sabi niya gusto niya kausapin and I have nothing tapos—"
"You... don't have a boyfriend?" he suddenly asked, his eyes softening a bit.
"Yeah..." I licked my lip. "I just, thank you kasi lumapit ka para—"
"Don't worry about it," he answered rather quickly. He then took my bag. Umawang ang labi ko sabay iling.
"Warren, you don't need—"
"Let's go. I guess we have the same flight," he said and walked towards the airplane with my bag.
"Oh, okay!" Naguguluhan man ay mabilis akong sumunod sa kanya.
He's so weird. He looks mad then after a while, he's okay again.
We went outside to go up the stairs towards the airplane. Warren glanced at me, as if waiting for me.
I smiled and walked towards him.
"Sorry, Mars, mabagal," I apologized and my heart almost dropped when the side of his lips lifted.
"I thought we're mag-kumare?" he asked, slowly touching my hand to let me go first.
"Kahit ano p'wede," I chuckled a bit. "After the hotel, I haven't seen you again, ngayon lang. I really thought we wouldn't see each other again so..."
"Uh-hmm," he hummed.
I am really happy seeing Warren here. Saglit lang kami nagkausap noong nakaraan yet I feel quite comfortable with him. I also realized na sa bawat pagkikita naming dalawa ay palagi niya akong tinutulungan.
He's a hero in disguise at first yet now, he's my kumare in disguise.
"Welcome aboard, Architect." My eyes shifted and I gasped when I saw who the flight attendant was.
"Daru!" I gasped and she chuckled, offering her arms to me.
"Saan ka, bakla?" she asked. I laughed and tapped her back.
She's wearing a blue uniform, a red scarf is on her neck, and her hair is tied neatly in a bun.
"May project ako," I said. Her eyes landed behind me. She threw me a teasing look and I gasped when I realized what she was trying to say.
"Darshana, no," I hissed at her.
"Kapalit ni Lucas?" she muttered and I glared at her, slowly glancing at Warren who stayed while I made chitchats with my cousin.
"Uh, Daru, he's Warren," I introduced. Daru's eyes widened a bit when he saw Warren.
"Nice meeting you, Miss," I heard Warren greeted. Daru chuckled a bit when she heard his voice.
"Uh, Darshana," Daru smiled and offered her hand. "Ang gwapo mo naman, jowa mo?" She pointed at me. My eyes widened.
"Darsh!" I gasped and she laughed.
Warren smiled a bit and I almost praised his handsomeness out loud. I bet if he's straight and her preferences are women, baka crush ko na siya. I think crush ko nga siya, medyo, pero hindi p'wede kasi 'di naman kami talo.
"No, sis. Pareho kami ng hanap," Warren said and I almost coughed when his voice swayed a bit.
Daru's mouth parted and I chuckled. I then waved my hand in front of Daru's face while she stayed there like a wall and pulled Warren's wrist.
To my shock, magkatabi kami ni Warren. I watched him as he lifted my baggage on the compartment above. His arms are firm. Sa shirt na suot ay bakat pa ang dibdib niya and I almost purred because he's just... I don't know? Yummy!
May nakita pa akong mga Amerikanang sumusulyap habang walang pakialam siyang nag-aayos ng bagahe sa itaas. Nang magkatinginan kami ay ngumiti ako.
"Tara, Mars! Upo ka!" I said and I saw him blush a bit but still sat beside me.
He has muscles on the right places. He seemed quite nervous sitting beside me and I caught his eyes before smiling.
"Thank you talaga nang sobra, Warren,"
Tumitig siya, walang masabi no'ng una pero lumunok at tumango, namumula na.
"No worries," he said and looked away.
I pouted. Medyo shy pa siya pero I know he's a good person.
"Uh, sorry, Warren but am I feeling close?" I asked and he immediately shook his head. He looked at me with his creased forehead.
"No," he answered eagerly. "You're not. Ako nga dapat ang nagtatanong niyan—"
"Asus, patola ka, sis!" I laughed and smacked his arm. "Doon pa nga lang sa hotel, gusto na kitang kumare kaya no worries," I giggled.
"Y-yeah?" Tumitig siya at gumalaw ang Adam's apple.
"Oo naman!" I said then glanced at his arms. Slowly I touched it and gasped. "Wow, Warren, you have muscles, ah?"
"Well, yeah..." He glanced at my hands on his arms. He blushed more. "M-macho ba?" he asked.
I grinned and nodded.
"Yes, ang pogi mo nga no'ng nagbubuhat ka ng bagahe r'yan. Alam mo, kung 'di lang tayo pareho ng hanap baka crush na kita," I said.
I am expecting him to look disgusted yet I only saw shock on his face.
"T-talaga?" he stuttered.
"Yes!" I said happily. "I'm really not this galawgaw and makulit with other people but you know, I like you."
He froze. He blinked rapidly while staring at me and I grinned.
"S'yempre, magkumare tayo!" I said and I heard his awkward laugh afterwards.
"Fuck, where did I get myself into?" he whispered. I pouted.
"What?"
"Nothing." He opened his eyes and smiled a bit. "I just, I have candies here, baka gusto mo?" he asked and offered me his bag.
I chuckled, masayang kumuha ng isa at lumapit.
"You're so good, I like you. You're my hero. Buti na lang kumare kita," I said softly. I then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and glanced at the airplane's window.
A moment passed and Warren didn't say anything. Nagtaka na ako kaya bumaling ang tingin ko sa kanya at naabutan ko siyang tulala sa upuan.
He's in the middle and my eyes widened when I saw him gripping the sides of his seat. He's red and unmoving kaya I got worried.
"Warren? O-oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kissed you–"
"It's fine!" He almost shouted. Napakurap-kurap ako.
Nagtitigan kami at para na siyang natuod so I snapped my fingers in front of his face.
"Warren?" He jumped a bit and stared at me. He was still shocked and I smiled hesitantly.
"You okay? Sorry, mali 'yon. I shouldn't have kissed you without permission–"
"You're permitted," he cut me off then looked away, still blushing.
Napatango-tango na lang ako, nakanganga pa rin sa bilis ng pangyayari.
For the rest of the flight, miminsang nag-uusap kami ni Warren. Darshana did a safety drill in the middle but her eyes stayed on Warren.
I bet she's shocked, knowing he's gay.
I rested my head on the seat and closed my eyes. Tumayo pa ako nang bahagya para ilayo sa akin ang aircon na nakatutok pero malamig pa rin.
I didn't have a jacket with me. Nasa hand carry ko kaso nasa compartment naman.
Nasanay na siguro ako na whenever we travel, hindi na ako nagdadala ng jacket dahil alila ko si Kuya Deion. Once he saw me shivering in cold, he won't hesitate to give his jacket to me kaya hindi ko na rin inaalala iyon.
But now... they weren't here.
It's actually my first time traveling alone and without them. Nakatatakot at nakakakaba but I have to show them that it's okay even if it's not.
I touched my arms and sighed because I'm shivering. Then I saw a hand in front of me. I shifted my gaze, only to see Warren's black eyes staring at me.
"Cold?" he asked. I bit my lip and slowly nodded.
"Y-yes," I smiled.
"Here," he said and showed me his jacket.
"N-no," I muttered. "Paano ka? It's cold kaya—"
"I'm fine, Scira," he said.
I was ashamed at first but when then I was really cold. I slowly took his jacket and smiled.
"Thank you," I whispered.
Warren helped me wear the jacket. My heart pounded in my chest because of his kindness. I then bit my lip, feeling glad that I found a friend like him.
He checked the jacket on me. Natawa pa ako kasi malaki at hindi na makita ang kamay ko pero niyakap ko lang ang sarili at pinagmasdan siya.
"Thanks, kumare," I said and he pouted a bit.
Ang gwapo-gwapo ng sister ko sa paningin ko ngayon but I know better.
He nodded. I rested my head on the seat and tried sleeping but my head fell. I groaned. Inayos ko ang likod at muling sumubok na matulog pero hindi ko magawa kaya suminghap ako.
"Come here," his voice echoed kaya nilingon ko siya.
I saw him lifting the handle separating our seats and he offered his shoulder.
"Hmm?"
"Sleep on my shoulder," he offered like a fairy godmother.
"H-hindi ba uncomfortable?" I asked and he smirked. He then slowly lifted his hand to place my hair at the back of my ear.
"Alam mo namang hindi tayo talo, sis, 'di ba?" He whispered. His voice now turned girly and it made me laugh. I also punched his arms playfully but I still rested my head on his shoulder.
He made sure I am comfortable and when I already am, hindi naman na ako makatulog. Gusto ko na sanang umalis sa pagkakasandal kasi nakahihiya but he smells so good it's addicting.
I took his hand. I felt him tense up a bit but I just played with his watch and he remained silent while watching me doing it.
"Warren," I slowly called.
"Hmm?" he hummed,
"I just... Why are you mad kanina after you talked to Lucas? When I said I have a boyfriend pero noong nalaman mong wala, okay na?" I asked him curiously. I felt him stiffen.
I played with his watch and he didn't answer me.
"I just..." he said a bit the cleared his throat.
Ngumisi ako.
"Hmm, crush mo ako, ano?" I asked teasingly.
"Y-yeah," he muttered and I didn't expect it my heart jumped in my throat.
I moved hastily to see his face, his eyes wide like he'd seen a ghost. He gulped.
"Uh..." he suddenly smirked. "J-joke lang, kumare," he said then laughed.
Hindi ako umimik. I just gawked at him with my wide eyes. He then cleared his throat and took my hand.
"A-ang ganda ng manicure mo, ah? I like the color, sis," he said softly. Unti-unti akong naka-recover at nakagat ang labi.
"S-sa mall ko lang pinagawa," I shared.
Natahimik kaming dalawa, ang daliri niya'y nasa nails ko pa rin hanggang sa nagsalita siya.
"I-I just, you know, nagalit ako k-kasi, 'di ba, magkumare tayo?"
I nodded.
"Y-yeah?"
"And when y-you said you have a boyfriend, I'm annoyed kasi, akala ko mag-kumare tayo."
"Oo nga, kumare kita," I said, confused, looking at him to prove we're kumares.
He stared at my eyes and smiled.
"I just, nangako ka kasi, sis, no'ng nakaraan na sabay tayong hahanap ng boylet," he suddenly muttered and I blinked.
Oh, did I?
Oo...siguro?
"You know...." He added and laughed a bit. "Sa pederasyon kasi, may batas..."
"O-oh?" Umayos ako ng upo at nakinig.
"Ang magkukumare, stays forever, lalandi together," he said and I gasped and nodded.
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